Australian Farmers Increasingly Discontent with Government’s Climate and Agricultural Policies
Source: DairyNews.today
A growing number of Australian farmers are expressing dissatisfaction with the government’s climate and agricultural policies, according to a recent survey released on Wednesday. The discontent mirrors similar frustrations seen among farmers in Europe and other regions as environmental protection measures become more stringent.
Australia, a leading global agricultural exporter, shipped nearly $50 billion worth of products, including beef, wheat, and wine, during the 2022-23 financial year. However, recent policy changes under the Labor government, which took office in 2022, have sparked significant concern within the farming community.
The government has introduced legislation that bans live sheep exports and imposes restrictions on water usage in certain farming areas. Additionally, it has sought to increase financial contributions fr om farmers for biosecurity measures and has accelerated the development of renewable energy projects in rural regions, further fueling discontent among farmers.
A survey conducted by the National Farmers' Federation (NFF) and communications agency Seftons revealed that 73% of the 1,026 farmers surveyed believe that current government policies are detrimental to the agricultural industry, a sharp increase from 54% the previous year. Furthermore, 80% of respondents felt that the government does not understand or listen to farmers, up from 41% in the previous survey. Only 10% of farmers surveyed believe the government has a positive plan for the growth of the farm sector.
The survey also indicated declining optimism about the future of Australian agriculture, with only 50% of respondents expecting an increase in food and fibre production over the next decade, down from 56% a year earlier.
NFF President David Jochinke commented on the survey results, stating, “The results are unsurprising. Critical issues like the live sheep export ban, biosecurity tax, and water buybacks have weighed heavily on farmers. Farmers are frustrated. They feel they aren't being heard and are being steamrolled by harmful policies that appear to be driven by activist groups or politicians, not farmers.”
This growing discontent in Australia aligns with a broader global trend, wh ere farmers in various European countries have also protested against what they perceive as overly restrictive environmental regulations. The increasing dissatisfaction among farmers underscores the complex challenges governments face in balancing environmental protection with the needs of the agricultural sector.
The government has introduced legislation that bans live sheep exports and imposes restrictions on water usage in certain farming areas. Additionally, it has sought to increase financial contributions fr om farmers for biosecurity measures and has accelerated the development of renewable energy projects in rural regions, further fueling discontent among farmers.
A survey conducted by the National Farmers' Federation (NFF) and communications agency Seftons revealed that 73% of the 1,026 farmers surveyed believe that current government policies are detrimental to the agricultural industry, a sharp increase from 54% the previous year. Furthermore, 80% of respondents felt that the government does not understand or listen to farmers, up from 41% in the previous survey. Only 10% of farmers surveyed believe the government has a positive plan for the growth of the farm sector.
The survey also indicated declining optimism about the future of Australian agriculture, with only 50% of respondents expecting an increase in food and fibre production over the next decade, down from 56% a year earlier.
NFF President David Jochinke commented on the survey results, stating, “The results are unsurprising. Critical issues like the live sheep export ban, biosecurity tax, and water buybacks have weighed heavily on farmers. Farmers are frustrated. They feel they aren't being heard and are being steamrolled by harmful policies that appear to be driven by activist groups or politicians, not farmers.”
This growing discontent in Australia aligns with a broader global trend, wh ere farmers in various European countries have also protested against what they perceive as overly restrictive environmental regulations. The increasing dissatisfaction among farmers underscores the complex challenges governments face in balancing environmental protection with the needs of the agricultural sector.
23.09.2024
Carbon emissions in global milk production - the elephant in the room
I have been thinking to make this post yes/ no. I decided for yes and like to ask everyone to not "shoot the messenger". The chart shows an analysis of IFCN Dairy Research Network from the 2024 supporter conference in Poland.
